Rare Reed & Barton .950 Silver Art Nouveau Asparagus Tray, ca. 1900, of shaped rectangular form, with undulating "whiplash" edge, the rim decorated with repousse floral scrolls, with a conforming lift-out tray pierced en suite with the rim, l. 12-1/2", w. 8-3/4", 27.54 t. oz. Reed & Barton, in response to their competitor Gorham's "Martele" line of hand-crafted Art Nouveau silver, produced a similar, unnamed line for a short time. This lot is a fine example made - like Martele - in the higher purity of .950 silver instead of the traditional .925 sterling. These hand-made Reed & Barton pieces are quite rare (much more so than Gorham Martele pieces), and this particular form - the asparagus tray - rarer still.

Overall Condition: Very Good. No condition issues noted other than very light wear consistent with age. Marked (on the underside of the tray) with the Reed & Barton "eagle-r-lion" trademark and "950/1000 / Fine / 108 / A; the insert unmarked. A truly fine piece.